The access to clear communications that integrate well with the corporate network are in high demand. As such, the growth of the SIP phone market is significant. What’s surprising, however, is that even with the availability of the hosted PBX from proven providers, there is still room in the market for additional manufacturers. Share is up for grabs and those willing to go after it could emerge as dominant players.
A recent Eastern Management (News - Alert) post highlighted that some of the most promising opportunities exist in Canada, the United States and Western Europe. This data was collected from an Eastern Management Group global SIP survey that gathered information from 17,000 information technology vendors and managers. Findings revealed that few SIP phone manufacturers can claim more than 10 percent of the market in any region.
At least 10 percent of the share in the U.S. is claimed by Polycom (News - Alert), Aastra and Grandstream. There are only two vendors in Canada with this kind of market share, while Western Europe claims three. No region can claim more than four and Eastern Management believes that 10 percent minimum market share is achievable for new competitors. This assessment is based on the theory that every region in the world can support four to six SIP phone vendors if each claims 10 percent of the market share.
Of those companies that are operating in these regions, many of them have only 1 percent or less of the market. Surprisingly, there is much more market to grab for those willing to go after the opportunities in the hosted PBX (News - Alert) space and deliver on SIP phone demands. For those companies hesitant to enter the market, the opportunities are significant. Consider that Eastern Management’s research suggests that SIP phone sales will double, at the very least, between now and 2018.
One thing blocking certain vendors from really enjoying the potential success in this market is a narrow view of supporting these opportunities. For instance, there are a number of manufacturers that support only their own equipment. This limits the opportunities for that company when the global market continues to expand with solutions that can easily complement each other.
Hosted PBX provider 8x8 is taking a fresh approach to the developments in the market by extending its VoIP business phone systems according to the needs of the companies operating in its target markets. By developing solutions that address real-world challenges and opportunities, the company is poised for continued growth, taking advantage of new innovations and demand.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey